Coastguard maintains an infrastructure right around the coast of New Zealand to ensure we are there when the New Zealand public need us.

In the Northern Region we cover from Thames, across to Kawhia and up both coasts to Cape Reinga. We have strategically located rescue vessels, search aircraft and comprehensive marine VHF coverage and units that all go into making up this infrastructure – they are all operated by volunteers.

You can also keep up with the latest news by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter!

In addition to search and rescue we work hard to provide boaties with safety information and services to help you enjoy your boating.

Summer Lottery results are out!!Click here to see if you're one of the lucky winners.

Donate your boat for a day to help keep Coastguard afloat...

Here’s your chance to make your support of Coastguard go even further. Donate your boat and your amazing skippering skills for the TOP DAY OUT – Corporate Fishing Day!

We’ll match you with a fantastic corporate team on Wednesday 18th March 2015 for a day’s fishing on the Hauraki Gulf followed by an afternoon of laughs and good food on Motuhie to finish it off!

I did my Coastguard Day Skipper course over the weekend. I’m yet to find out if I passed, but, fingers crossed, I should. Hopefully!

Man, it was intense. So much information, over both days! I’ve had my little boat for two years and now I’m doing the course. Yes, of course, I did it around the wrong way; I was stupid. I took my life into my own, inexperienced hands. But I seriously recommend a course like this. How much do you value your life? If you want to survive at sea – do this course.

Our instructor Steve knew everything. He’d been around the world many times on boats. So what did I learn? Everything.

I learnt about what you must check before you go boating, I learnt what the boat must have on board, I learnt about skipper responsibility. To read the full article Click here.

We pay tribute to an outstanding President...

On behalf of the organisation, its staff and our 1,150 volunteers around the Region we take a moment to gratefully acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Roly as he steps down from his role as President of the organisation.

Roly’s unwavering support and dedication to the organisation has just been remarkable. He’s made an incredible contribution over the last three years and certainly leaves the Region a better place for its people and the many communities of whom we serve.

We are incredibly humbled to have worked alongside Roly and wish both he and Dianne some wonderful adventures ahead and a well-deserved break.

How to self-service your Hutchwilco inflatable jacket

In this Youtube clip Ed from Wilco Marine Services demonstrates how to correctly check that your lifejacket is completely operational.

He examines all parts of the jacket including the inflation bladder and CO2 cylinder.

We advise perform this check annually to ensure your inflatable lifejacket is operational and to give to you peace of mind when you are on the water.

Click here to download the PDF or you can watch the full Youtube videohere.

Before taking your boat out please ensure you take the time to carry out a pre-summer boating check and take note of Coastguard's key boating safety messages.

As a simple guide, the Boating Safety Code provides 5 rules that will help you to stay safe, no matter what kind of boat you use.

1. Life jackets; take them - wear them
Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.

2. Skipper Responsibility
The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Know your limits and that of your boat and stay within those limits!

3. CommunicationsTake two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get in to difficulties.
Coastguard strongly recommends that you carry a marine VHF radio and know the distress and local channels. If you are taking a cell phone make sure it is fully charged and put it in a waterproof plastic bag.

4. Marine Weather
New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.
Also, listen to Coastguard's Nowcasting service if it operates in your area.

5. Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change very quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.